Railway Budget: 'Operation 5 Minutes' Wins Scheme With Catchiest Title

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced a series of new schemes in his Budget today. The announcement that likely caused the loudest cheers was that passenger fares will not be increased. But the catchiest title award goes to 'Operation 5 Minutes' which allows passengers traveling unreserved to buy a ticket "within five minutes of entering the station".

The minister said SMS services will be launched shortly to furnish the latest information on the arrival and departure of trains.

An all-India 24x7 helpline number 138 will be launched to address passenger complaints on a real-time basis. This will be started for the Northern Railways on April 1 and will then be launched in other parts.

An app is also being developed to address passengers' concerns, he said.

CCTVs will be added to select trains and suburban trains for women safety.